Now that cooler weather is upon us an elopement ceremony in nearby Boulder is always a safer bet for mild temperatures and interesting terrain. Definitely my new favorite front-range trail with sweeping views east, north, and west! Don’t plan to host your wedding ceremony elopement here? Maybe decide after these photos. You can easily have a Colorado elopement wedding within 35 minutes of Denver. I’ve included a review from a past visit and my notes.

**The Green Mountain Loop in Boulder offers a few options for an** **elopement wedding in Colorado**.

Colorado Elopement Wedding Hikes:

Green Mountain Loop via Chautauqua Trail

Time of Year: Late-October.

Weather: 38 degrees and sunny at 8:57 am, wind: 4 mph (nonfactor).

Cover: 65% dispersed cover.

Time: 8:57 am - 12:31 pm.

Distance: 7.3 miles total (left on the loop at Amphitheater Trail).

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Route: Chautauqua Trail to 6th Street Connector Trail to Meadow Trail to Amphitheater Trail to Saddle Rock Trail to EM Green Man Trail to Green Mountain West Ridge Trail to Ranger Trail to Gregory Canyon Trail.....and then back to Meadow Trail to 6th Street Connector Trail to Meadow Trail to Chautauqua Trail. In other words, follow the All-Trails map (except Ski Jump Trail-closed).

Traffic: Light.

Parking: 50% full (parking now free until Memorial Day Weekend, tons of parking for the many trail connectors).

Equipment: Hiking boots.

Terrain: A well-marked rocky trail with a 2600-foot climb over the first 3.7 miles. Primarily a dirt path the first 1 mile down from the peak of Green Mountain before a rocky dirt trail starts again within the canyon. The Meadow Trail on the front and back ends is mostly a dirt trail too.

Experience: I think this is the most rewarding front-range hike so far. While everyone jumps on Boulder's Royal Arch and Flatirons trails, this neighboring trek offers interesting terrain with incredible east, north, and west views up the steep incline to the top of Green Mountain. You can see over 20 other peaks as well as the high plains at 8100 feet. On the way back, you're also rewarded with a rocky stroll through Gregory Canyon. I clocked 3.5 hours for 7.3 miles. Expect to add time to your hike for the climb and soak in the views.

Cost: Free.

Difficulty: Hard Level 1 (cardio and muscular endurance necessary for the consistent grade up the first half and steady footing on the way down; moderate distance overall at 7.3 miles; no significant scrambles; 1 ladder climb because of a mudslide).

Colorado Ordained Minister Notes: Like the neighboring Royal Arch hike, my wedding officiant clients will need good cardio and muscular endurance to manage the 2600-foot climb within the first 3 miles. For such hikes, I move at a pace that doesn’t overstep my physical boundaries and I certainly take breaks when necessary. The work is worth the wedding elopement with a view! You can cut off a couple of miles by parking at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead, too. I won’t judge. :)

When to Visit: Although the trail is close to Denver, the winter season will offer a snow-covered option depending on the week and the sun exposure on parts of the trail. Microspikes will help you conquer the terrain. The mix of shade and sun exposure makes a morning summer hike bearable (although it will warm up quickly by noon). Early fall is an absolutely beautiful, dry option, while the early spring may be a bit muddy depending on the snowmelt (the sun may dry most of the trail by mid afternoon).